There seems to be confusion about the Transition Tag and Alex Mack. Especially the $10M price tag. I know I was confused at first. But here's some background:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transition_tag
The $10M price tag is CLEVELAND's price to pay if he signs the 1 year Transition Tag tender. And that's only if they can't work out a new deal with him.
If he signs a deal with another team, Cleveland has the right to match the offer or refuse. If they refuse, they get nothing.
Everyone sees $10M and immediately says the price is to high. The $10M is the greater of the average of the Top 10 players' salary at his position or a 20% raise from his last salary. But it is the salary Cleveland must pay if he signs the tender and remains with them. And it is a one year salary only if they cannot come to terms with a new deal.
We can sign him for 5 Years for a dollar a year, if he'll accept it.
Basically, its very similar to a FA signing except we have to wait for Cleveland (7 days) to match the offer. If they don't, he is a Dolphin and we owe Cleveland NOTHING in compensation.
It's not $10M/year. Unless that's what we offer him.